Gemstones (DK Smithsonian Handbook)

Nice book, worth the price

There are a lot of books about gems and gemstones. Some give some information, and others give other info. This book gives summaries and information about each type of gem material more concisely and accessible than any other book around. Cally Hall did an excellent job of giving some information about each material, and then showing the gemological information in a consistent and easy to locate manner. I teach faceting of gemstones at a US university and this is the first book I tell my students to obtain. There is only one piece of valuable information not included, and that is Critical Angle (which is needed only when cutting a stone) but which is directly related to Refractive Index (R.I.) which IS included. I highly recommend this book as a quick source of info about gems and gem materials, one you will keep close and use for years.

This book is a great help in studying gemology!

Kids love this book at our library. They start checking it out in 2nd grade and enjoy it through 5th grade. Both boys and girls like the photographs that clearly illustrate the beauty of Gemstones. They also like the short text that accompanies each stone's photograph. It makes learning about stones fun and fabulous.

New to the hobby so enjoying a great deal. The book is just what it says it is but I wish it had more on the finishing and "mounting" of the gemstones.

I've always been fascinated by sparkly gemstones. This book adds depth to my fascination. It tells You where to find the raw gemstones in nature. And describes the properties of gems I didn't know existed. It also describes what gems look good with what cuts. Quality for the hobbyist or professional.

This book tells you about everything you need to know about gemstones. The pictures are great and it explains everything on each stone. I would tell anyone that is starting out collecting to get this book.

The Gemstone book is Ok with beatuiful pictures.

Good price

Good book for beginners.

Excellent and very recourceful book

Beautiful pictures and useful text.

great for beginners!